Building a guitar - JEM guitar

THE IBANEZ JEM GUITAR SAGA

In the realm of electric guitars, innovation has always been a driving force, and one instrument that embodies this spirit of boundary-pushing creativity is the Ibanez JEM guitar. Created in collaboration with the legendary guitarist Steve Vai, the JEM series is a testament to the fusion of art, technology, and exceptional playability. In this article, we'll take a closer look at the remarkable journey of the Ibanez JEM.

A Collaboration That Shaped a Legend

The story of the Ibanez JEM begins with the collaboration between guitar virtuoso Steve Vai and Ibanez in the late 1980s. Vai had specific ideas for a guitar that could keep up with his breathtaking virtuosity, and Ibanez was eager to bring those visions to life. The result was the birth of the JEM series, a range of guitars designed to cater to the exacting needs of a guitar master.

 

Joe Satriani and his guitar: "The JEM is the perfect guitar for my style of playing. It's got everything I need: great sound, great sustain, and it's really versatile."

 

The Striking Aesthetics

One of the most instantly recognizable features of the JEM is its eye-catching aesthetics. The "Monkey Grip," a distinctive handhold carved into the body of the guitar, is as iconic as the artist himself. The original "Desert Yellow" finish, known as "Pogo," added another layer of uniqueness to the JEM's design.

The "Lion's Claw" tremolo routing and the "Tree of Life" inlay on the fretboard further showcase the JEM's commitment to combining innovation with artistic flair.

Steve Vai said that: "The JEM is the best guitar I've ever played. It's got a great sound, it's really comfortable to play, and it's incredibly reliable."

Revolutionary Features

The Ibanez JEM guitar is not just about looks; it's a powerhouse of groundbreaking features. The "Floating" tremolo system, also known as the "Edge," provides impeccable tuning stability even under the most aggressive whammy bar dives. The "Evolution" pickups, specifically designed for the JEM series, deliver a wide range of tones, from searing lead lines to crystal-clear cleans.

The JEM's distinct tonal characteristics have made it a favorite among guitarists who appreciate its versatility. Whether you're diving into a virtuosic shred fest or laying down soulful blues, the JEM is ready to take on the challenge.

 

Kirk Hammett talked about the JEM: "It's got a great sound, it's really comfortable to play, and it looks awesome."

 

Unleashing Shredders

Over the years, the Ibanez JEM has become synonymous with virtuosic shredding. Players like Steve Vai, Joe Satriani, and Herman Li have embraced the JEM as their weapon of choice to explore the outer limits of guitar playing. Its fast, comfortable neck and impeccable playability have made it an icon among instrumental guitarists.

 

John Petrucci said that he will recommend the JEM guitar to any guitarist.

 

The JEM Continues to Evolve

 

It is estimated that over 1 million units have been produced since 1985. This number includes all models of the JEM, including the original JEM777, the various signature models that have been produced over the years, and the more affordable GIO series JEM guitars.

The Ibanez JEM series has continued to evolve over the years. Various signature models and limited editions have been released, each pushing the envelope of design and performance. The JEM's enduring legacy in the world of electric guitars is a testament to its commitment to innovation and its ability to stand the test of time.

In the realm of electric guitars, innovation has always been a driving force, and one instrument that embodies this spirit of boundary-pushing creativity is the Ibanez JEM guitar. The JEM series is a testament to the fusion of art, technology, and exceptional playability.

But what if you could have a hand in building your very own Ibanez Jem-style guitar kit that embodies the essence of the Ibanez JEM? With our DIY guitar kits, you can embark on a journey of creativity and innovation to build a guitar that not only sounds incredible but also carries your unique mark.

Let's dive into the world of inspiration and creativity as we explore what our valued customers have shared with us. The completed JEM guitars, built from our DIY guitar kits MJ, are not only a testament to the enduring legacy of innovation but also a reflection of the remarkable journeys our customers have embarked on. Let's take a closer look at the unique stories and creations our customers have successfully completed.

 

Here's a glimpse of our customer's dedication, showcasing the completed JEM guitar built from our DIY guitar kit. It's a true reflection of their hard work and commitment.

 

Take a moment to appreciate our customer's accomplishment – a completed JEM guitar from our DIY guitar kit.

 

"The assembly process is not complicated. After finely sanding the body and head of the neck, a layer of white primer (gesso) is applied, followed by another sanding. Then, the parts are painted with oil, similar to an artistic canvas. Next comes sanding again, followed by the application of 7 layers of acrylic varnish, with sanding between each layer. Finally, a final polish is done using an automotive polish.

All that was left was to assemble the neck and all the accessories, along with the necessary adjustments, of course. The result meets my expectations—the guitar looks beautiful and sounds very good."

 

Or simply keep the original look as it is from our MJ DIY Guitar Kits!